title: TGF-β1 promotes transition of mesothelial cells into fibroblast phenotype in response to peritoneal injury in a cell culture model.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Peritoneal adhesions are a clinical problem. A key to the understanding of peritoneal adhesions is to study the healing of mesothelial cells within the peritoneal cavity following surgery. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-βs) affects this healing process. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different concentrations of TGF-β1 on the healing rate and healing properties of mesothelial cells.
  
  
  METHODS
  Human mesothelial cells from peritoneal fluid were collected, cultured and a mechanical wound was created. The restoration of the mesothelial surface with and without increasing concentrations of TGF-β1 was monitored.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The denuded area was restored within 24 h. The healing rate was most extensive between the first and second hour after the damage (61.9 ± 22.8 μm/h). No significant difference in healing rate were observed when increasing levels of TGF-β1 were used. However, higher concentrations of TGF-β1 increased cell size and the cells presented more fibroblast specific properties. Lower TGF-β1 concentrations increased the number of proliferating cells.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study indicates the importance of high levels TGF-β1 in mesothelial cell healing, mainly by changing the actual healing properties of the cells. Elevated levels of TGF-β1 might promote mesothelial cell transition towards a more fibroblast-like appearance.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Fibrinolysis laboratory/Tissue Centre, Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Östra, SE-416 85 Göteborg, Sweden.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Falk
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Angenete
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bergström
authors.forename: Marie-Lois
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Ivarsson
mesh_terms: D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008648:Mesoderm / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects; D008954:Models, Biological; D010537:Peritoneum / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000293:injuries; D010641:Phenotype; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1
keywords: Adhesion formation; Mesothelial cells; Peritoneum; Proliferation and experimental model; Transforming growth factor